I also liked the way Darcy - played superbly by Colin Firth by the way! - was given more attention than just appearing occasionally at the scene. This way we were more familiar with his character, actions and his feelings for Elizabeth. As a result the surprise element is not so significant of course, but it did not lessen the merits of the production.

Costumes, music, buildings and scenery were absolutely fantastic. They were not simply objects and background, they also disclosed a lot of useful information about the characters (e.g.: Darcy is wealthy, but has taste, lady Catherine is wealthy and pompous, Elizabeth is not very rich, but is natural and unpretentious...).

The actors were also very good, although I have to admit that I thought Jennifer Ehle miscast as Elizabeth Bennet: she seemed too experienced, too knowing for a twenty-odd something-year-old girl. At times she was simply impertinent instead of daring and she just SMIRKED instead of smiling playfully. Thus Darcy appeared a far more positive character to me right from the start despite his aloof behaviour. Elizabeth Garvie in the '79 version as Elizabeth was absolutely fantastic.

And there was another miscast character: Wickham. He was just too slimy. I mean, he IS slimy all right, but in the beginning Elizabeth and the audience shouldn't know that. He should appear as a much more attractive person compared to Darcy. Adrian Lukis couldn't do that, he was a bit repulsive right from the start. So I was left with the feeling "how could Lizzy fall for this guy's charm even for a second?!" You aren't supposed to feel that from the start, you shouldn't be thinking, even as a spectator, that Elizabeth must be really foolish to like this guy instead of the charismatic and sexy Darcy!

All in all, if you love the book, you are going to like this adaptation very much.


The best   June 24, 2005
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

If you are not romantic and only seek for a comfortable home this is not for you. Otherwise, it will change your life. Simply the best. This adaptation of Jane Austen's novel is clever, in my opinion even better than the book itself (some dialogues are unbelievably good). All actors are great (yes, all). Photography and sound is very good. I do not understand how such a good film can be made. Congratulations to all who has contributed in making of this masterpiece giving some of us so much pleasure. To comment on Amazon's review where it is said that "some argued it was unnecessarily sensational, or, given that the BBC had already made a fine Pride and Prejudice (1979) from a script by Fay Weldon, simply unnecessary" I would dare to say that this version of Pride and Prejudice (1995) is so much superior to the 1979 one that 1979 version is not worth a mention (I do apologize for being so severely critical, but I shell not conceal the truth). Please you must allow me to tell you how good this film is. Once again congratulations to all involved in making of Pride and Prejudice (1995), a masterpiece which I hardly believe to be ever matched (sad, but you can watch it over and over again). It is a common knowledge that a single man of large fortune is...


EXCELLENT   June 17, 2005
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Id give it more stars if I could. If you love romances comedy drama get this. The actors and actresses are superb. I dont think Ive ever been more in love with a film then I am with this. Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. Need I say more. WOW. He's perfect. The looks and the attitude he gives people is fantastic. Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth is good. She portays Elizabeth perfectly. I was very impressed by her performance but I must say Alison Steadman (Mrs Bennet) is so entertaining. She's boss. If you loved the book you'll love this. If you havent read the book this film will make you want to read it. Also the locations are heavenly. It will have you saying I want to live there. All the way through the film you'll be shouting at the tv saying no dont do that and say yes. Im not trying to sell this film but if you want entertainment look no further. Its so romantic.


wonderful!   April 10, 2005
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

A wonderful adaptation of a wonderful book! Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are fantastic together, and as for the rest of the cast I cannot find any fault. This is the best adaptation of a period drama i have ever seen!!! credit to Andrew Davis!